THE CONSTITUTION OF 1865

PREAMBLE

We, the People of the State of Alabama, by our representatives in convention
assembled; in order to establish justice, ensure domestic tranquillity,
provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure
to ourselves and to our posterity the rights of life, liberty, and property
; invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish
the following constitution and form of government for the State of Alabama-that
is to say: